Request Heads Up

I am scheduled to receive my second pacemaker, Adapta SR ADSR01, in two weeks. I currently have a depleted Kappa 701. Any suggestions regarding tweeking settings? I want to benefit from those who have gone before!

4 Comments

Getting A New Pacemaker

by Juan - 2011-05-19 03:05:54

Debb,

Are you satisfied with your the current pacemaker settings? If you are tell them to duplicate those as closely as possible.

Otherwise leave it to the Doctor for this first time on a new pacemaker.

Good luck,

Juan

Any problems?

by golden_snitch - 2011-05-19 05:05:02

Hi!

Sounds like you need atrial pacing only, is that right? And then the same question Juan asked: are there any issues with the current pacer or is everything fine? If everything's fine, they can just duplicate settings, especially since you stay with the same manufacturer.

If you need the rate response a lot, and are not satisfied with the Kappa's rate response, then you need to consider switching manufacturers. Sorin Group and, I think, Boston Scientific offer pacers with a rate response that works with two sensors: accelerometer + minute ventilation while Medtronic's work with accelerometer only.

Best wishes
Inga

Don't mess with success

by iamsrg - 2011-05-19 07:05:37

I just had my PM replaced and I asked to have my settings duplicated as closely as possible. Both of my PMs are made by Medtronic but my EP warned there could still be some slight differences despite similar settings, so as always, you just want to communicate with your doctor and your pacemaker technician about how you are feeling after you have recuperated from the procedure, itself.

Been there, done that

by ElectricFrank - 2011-05-20 02:05:32

I had exactly the same changeover in Jan 2010. There is almost no difference between the Kappa and the ADAPTA series. I also let them know I wanted my existing settings carried over to the new pacer AT IMPLANT. All has worked out well.

By the way the replacement procedure is a piece of cake. There is no pocket to make, and no leads to install. I chose to remain totally awake during the surgery and just have some local anesthesia around the site. The whole thing took about an hour. Between prep, an antibiotic drip before and after the surgery, I was in the outpatient hospital for about 4 hours.

Since the same leads are used there is no arms over head restriction. Of course like any incision it will let you know if you challenge it too much.

One thing I did notice is that my number of PVC's dropped off over the next month or so after the replacement. It just feels like the pacing is smoother even though they claim there is no difference. I felt a difference in the OR when they shifted the ventricle lead over to the new pacer. Wieird!

best,

frank

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